An Easy Way to Relieve Damaging Eyestrain Caused by Computers and Reading

Essential Vision Tip: An Easy Way to Relieve Damaging Eyestrain Caused by Computers and Reading

The human eye is not meant to spend hours focusing at objects close to it. It is naturally in a
relaxed state when looking at something at further distances, approximately 7 feet and beyond.

Research has shown that long hours spent on a computer or reading can lead to permanent damage caused by this “near-point stress.” Think about all the people you know that wear glasses. Most likely they are either avid students, readers, computer users, or spend long durations viewing objects close to them.

A simple way to relieve stress in the eye is called the “Distant Night Exercise.” Here’s how it works:

1. Sit down in a chair and place your elbows on your knees or a table.

2. Face your palms toward your face and slightly cup the lower portion of your hands while keeping your fingers straight.

3. Place your eyes in the cups of your hands, which should gently rest above and below the bone surrounding your eye and cheek. No portion of your hand should touch your eyeball, but it is alright if your eyelashes brush against your palm. The fingers of both hands should slightly overlap resting near the center top of your forehead. With your eyes open, be sure there is no light entering into your eyes.

4. While maintaining this position, relax and close your eyes while you imagine you’re looking into the distant night. Remember, your eyes are relaxed as they look out at a distance – the purpose of this exercise.

5. As you focus into the distance you should feel a reduction in eyestrain caused by the near point activity.

For more vision tips and ways to improve and preserve your vision click here.